Most of us know it's a good idea to have a roadside emergency kit in our vehicle—you never know when you might need to change a tire or jump-start your car. But it's important to keep more than just vehicle repair supplies in your car. A good emergency kit will also cover your basic survival needs with first-aid supplies, tools, food and water, and sanitary items. You never know when you may encounter long delays, unsafe roads, or extreme weather.

Driving to and from work or school, running errands, out for a weekend adventure, or headed on a road trip—you're usually near your vehicle. In a disaster or an emergency, the supplies in your vehicle emergency kit may be what you rely on to get you through and get you home. You may need to stay warm, take shelter in or near your vehicle, and have food and water to get you through. If you have to evacuate your home quickly—in a fire or flash flood, for example—you may not have time to grab supplies; you'll need to rely on what you have in your vehicle. A well-stocked emergency kit is good insurance for an emergency or disaster, whether you're at home or away.

Live Ready Tip: Keep your gas tank half full. In an emergency, gas stations may be without power or may run out of fuel. Having at least a half-tank of gas will help you get where you need to go.

Live Ready Tip: Stash some extra cash, extra car and house keys, and a map of your community in your vehicle emergency kit.